Updating yesterday's preview, the New Jersey Devils have reshaped forward lines for familiarity ahead of their Metropolitan Division matchup with the New York Islanders at UBS Arena (7 p.m. ET), with teams separated by one point before the holiday break. Jack Hughes reunites with Jesper Bratt, Jacob Markstrom starts in goal.
After a 3-1 loss to Buffalo where Hughes (back from five-week injury) scored his 11th goal, coach Sheldon Keefe reset lines for comfort amid returns of Hughes, Timo Meier, and Arseny Gritsyuk. Top line: Meier-Nico Hischier-Dawson Mercer. Second: Hughes-Ondrej Palat-Jesper Bratt. Third: Cody Glass-Gritsyuk-Connor Brown.
Keefe: “It’s not so much the offense... It’s just a little more familiarity." Brown: “Gritsy’s a fun guy to play with... complete player." Brenden Dillon: “A win, you’re in good spirits. A loss, you’re wanting the next game."
Devils must handle Mathew Barzal; Keefe: “Top players like that play outside the structure... like our Jack Hughes and Jesper Bratt."
Islanders start David Rittich (Sorokin out post-break); Bo Horvat doubtful (lower-body). Devils injuries: Nemec (undisclosed), Dadonov (upper), Kovacevic (knee), etc. Islanders: Horvat, Palmieri (knee), etc. (See prior preview for standings, streaks, history.)
